Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating between Jersey City, NJ and Pittsburgh, PA is a 366 mi drive β 7h 14m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
366 mi Β· 7h 14m by car Β· PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Paterson, Newark, Elizabeth, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 15.9% moving from Jersey City to Pittsburgh β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $658,269 in Jersey City to $237,533 in Pittsburgh, a 15.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jersey City | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.21 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.9% β $94,813 β $64,137 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 366 mi and the route typically takes 7h 14m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $94,813 in Jersey City β a 32.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 15.9% lower than Jersey City (94.671 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $658,269 in Jersey City β a 63.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 366 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ Β· Pittsburgh, PA.